Joseph Hopkins owned a silversmith shop on West Main Street, next to St. James'
church. Hopkins probably opened the shop in 1754. His shop would have sold a
variety of gold and silver goods, including a few pocket watches imported from
England. In addition, Hopkins made buttons of horn covered in silver and silver-plated
buckles.
Eventually Hopkins became too busy as an elected official and probate judge
to operate his store. His son Jesse operated the shop for some time afterwards,
most likely during the 1780s.